Monday, August 25, 2014

Usually, when we plant tomatoes we buy plants. There are many different varieties available from heirloom to exotic colors. It can be hard to find some types in plant form. This is where using seeds can help the avid tomato gardener.

Seeds can be purchased from local vendors, farmers, or online. The most variety will be found online. You can also join seed swap forums to find seeds at very low to no cost. When your seeds arrive, you may either plant them in seed starting pots or place them in the freezer until you are ready to start the seeds.

Tomatoes love hot weather. They are able to tolerate temperatures down to 40F without dying, but constant exposure to cold will result in weak or dead seedlings. Be aware of your planting zone. You can find your gardening zone by consulting the USDA'sPlant Hardiness Guide.

When you have found your zone, you can determine when to start your seedlings. Gardeners in colder climates will need to start their seedlings indoors, about six to eight weeks before the last frost. Those in warm areas can sow their seeds directly into their garden or use the indoor starting method.

Tomato seeds can be started in small peat pots. Once the tomatoes are growing well and have two 'true' leaves, they can be transferred to larger containers. Moving seedlings to larger containers will help prevent them from becoming root bound.

As soon as the weather is warm enough in your zone, you can prepare your garden for the seedlings. Work compost into the rows or plots where you plan to place your plants. Allow the compost to sit in the ground for a few days before planting, as compost can still produce heat if it has not properly decomposed. A few extra days will help prevent the roots of your plants from being burned.

At least three days before planting it is a good idea to place your plants outdoors to 'harden off'. You may notice that once outside the plants begin to have a deeper green. This is a good sign! Your plants are becoming tolerant to the outdoor temperatures and if in a sunny place, they're soaking up the sun they need to grow happily.

Now you can place your plants into the garden. A good rule of thumb is to remember that each tomato plant should be placed around 18 inches from the next plant. If you do not have a ruler, use your arm as a guide. While this method isn't perfect, it will help your plants remain far enough apart to grow successfully. Your arm, from the elbow to the tip of your fingers, is enough space between plants.

The hole you place your plants in should be deep, six to eight inches, and wide enough for the roots to spread. Place the plant in the hole, then mound the dirt up around the plant - all the way up to the first two leaves. Placing the soil around the tomato in this manner helps give the plant stability.

Keep your tomatoes watered - plants in a garden need more water than in containers. Add fertilizer in the form of compost tea once a month and you will be surprised at how well your tomatoes grow!